Jennifer Garner was honored for her dedication to children in need around the world on Saturday night at the annual Baby2Baby Gala in Culver City — just before heading to church with ex Ben Affleck and their three children the next morning.

Before accepting her award, ET caught up with the 44-year-old, who dished on her Thanksgiving plans with her family:

"I'm cooking! I'm cooking — always, everything!"

The Miracles From Heaven star — who stunned in a navy gown embellished with fabric flowers (above left) — also chatted about the important work the charity is doing:

"Everyone who tries to help kids, we're all just different pieces of the puzzle. But you can't help kids without food in their bellies, you can't help kids without clean bottoms, and you can't help kids without some basic bare essentials, and that's what Baby2Baby takes care of so beautifully."

The following morning, Miz Garner headed to church with her not-so-estranged ex and their kiddos, Violet, 10, Seraphina, 7, and four-year-old son, Samuel.

Photogs caught the family heading into the service with smiles on their faces as Ben carried several trays of goodies (above right).

An eyewitness said of the sighting:

"She was smiling and talking to people. Ben was more reserved — low-key. He kept to himself. When everyone was greeting each other in the beginning of Mass, both of them stepped out of the pew to shake hands and say good morning with their neighbors."

As we previously reported, Britney Spears' baby daddy has requested an increase in his $20K a month child support stipend. While it's said that Godney isn't THRILLED at the request, she's letting her poppa negotiate a deal with KFed.

And it appears that negotiations are well under way, though Mr. Spears is NOT impressed with his former son-in-law!